Are water coolers better than updated fountains? That was the question posed to several students at Western, and the response was yes.
In late August, it was announced that Detroit Public Schools Community District would shut off all of its schools’ drinking fountains due to a testing which found that 16 out of 24 schools, found high levels of lead and copper in their water.
A lot of people were concerned to find out that unacceptable levels of lead was/were in found the water, and the issue dominated the news.
While the district announced its long-term plan on Oct. 9, to implement water stations; students interviewed at Western are taking advantage of the water coolers. Though the circumstances surrounding the installation of these water coolers may be less than ideal, it has seemingly brought upon an immensely positive change.
Given five minutes of passing time between classes, students often crowd around these water coolers for a drink of water, while some even bring their own bottles and refill them, before heading back to class.
Junior Denny Arreguin said water coolers are better and more convenient.
“Before, students would always go to the gym to get cold water,” he said “A lot of teachers whose classes were not near the gym, didn’t like students going across the building. Now, teachers are more agreeable to letting students grab a cup of water because the coolers are right outside of their rooms. Kids are staying hydrated.”
Arreguin added: “With the fountains there is the issue with hygiene because people put their mouths on the faucet. Whereas with the cups, I feel like it’s safer because we use cups and they are disposable.”
Social studies teacher Marsha Lewis said she noticed students were conversing more at the coolers.
“It is so great to see students communicating and drinking more water,” she said. “I am drinking more water as well.”
